Lessons Learned from Being FIRED!

Have you ever lost sight of your destination, your goal, mission or purpose? What was the impact of this experience? What did you learn? How have you changed as a result?

I had this experience.

Early in my coaching career, I was being recruited by a company. Because I was focused on building Empowered Coaching, it was very easy for me to say "no thank you." After a few months had past a friend called me about a pretty amazing job opportunity. When I read the job description, I got excited. It seemed the job description was written just for me, like it was a sign from God. I stopped thinking about my own business and started thinking about what a J-O-B would provide. Being part of a team and the stability of routine and finances was most enticing.

As I waited to hear back from the dream job opportunity, I continued to be recruited by the other company. On multiple occasions, I met separately with two individuals. I told them what I wanted in regards to the number of hours I was willing to work, the time of my shifts, preferred salary, etc. After months of recruiting and numerous conversations, I finally joined the team.

One hour into my first day, it quickly became apparent that there was a serious misunderstanding and information was missing from the job description that was detrimental to my success. The next morning, I received “the” call. “The President and I have spoken. This isn’t going to work.” What?! Terminated? How could this be? Immediately, I called the person who gave me the final offer. He assured me that I was employed and that what we had agreed to was still being honored. The next business afternoon, he and I met to talk through what had happened and to review the employment agreement. In the end, all I got was a gut-wrenching confirmation of terminated status.

While the termination was devastating to my esteem, truth be known, I felt the whole time that this wasn’t a good fit. I felt it every time representatives of the organization and I spoke. Whenever I would talk about it to friends and family members, there would be a shift in my energy and I would use language that I use only when my stress level is high.

In spite of the misunderstanding and unspoken expectation, the reality is that I lost sight of my WHY, the reason I started EMPOWERED COACHING in the first place. Had I kept this top of mind this disaster of a moment could have been prevented.

Here’s what this experience has taught me:

1.  If it doesn't feel right or good, be very curious and investigate what doesn't feel right or good, and why.

2.  When you're very clear on what you want (your goal, vision, or purpose), setting and adhering to boundaries becomes very easy.

3.  Document. Document. Document. If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen.

4. For the sake of clarity and understanding, send a follow-up email or letter stating "This is my understanding of the takeaways. If I have misunderstood any of it, please let me know."

5.  If you aren't clear on what you want (the outcome), you can't expect people to deliver it.

6.  Keep asking questions for clarity and understanding until you're perfectly clear on the expectations.

7. Avoid assumptions.

8.  Avoid jargon that an outsider or child would not understand.

9. Single line of communication and accountability is the best kind. When there are multiple, it gets messy.

10.  When negotiating, remember you are not just representing you and the hours you will work. You are representing your family, past accomplishments, certifications, years of experience, and the value or outcome you will provide. Think about your TERMS. What will this job cost you in regards to your Time, Energy, Resources and Mental stability? Negotiate with that in mind.

 11. Hire a coach to keep you focused and on task. The phone call that set me in motion happened roughly a month after my contract ended with my own coach. The contract with my current coach started the week of my employment. If I had a coach at the time the offer was made, s/he may have provided a perspective about my decision to join the organization.

While this experience was truly gut-wrenching, there is a sense of freedom that came from it. Getting a J-O-B was always Plan B which I kept in the back of my mind. With that door now closed and securely locked, my hand is no longer on the handle. Both of my feet are firmly planted in Empowered Coaching and my focus is all about making this a successful business. And, for my personal life, I proudly honored my values, putting what was most important front and center. This feels strong and powerful.